Mozambique opposition leader returns home amid deadly clashes
Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned from exile to claim election victory, sparking clashes that left one dead and several injured as supporters and police clashed.
Sudanese leaders say US sanctions on RSF chief will harm peace efforts
Sandal also argued that the sanctions sent a damaging message to those exacerbating the violence
At least 19 dead as armed attack on Chad’s Presidential complex
At least 19 people have died following a violent confrontation in Chad, where security forces intervened to thwart an armed attack on the presidential complex in N’Djamena. The government reported that 18 of the 24 assailants were killed during the failed raid on Wednesday evening, while one security officer also lost his life. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reassured the public, stating that the president’s safety was secured and that the situation was under control. Residents in N’Djamena reported hearing sustained gunfire near the presidential compound during the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that 18 attackers were killed, six others were wounded, and the security forces had suffered one fatality along with three injuries, one of which was serious. In a video appearance shortly after the violence, Koulamallah, flanked by armed soldiers, declared, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize the government has been thwarted.” This assault took place during an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had just met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby and other senior officials hours before the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that Deby was inside the presidential complex when the violence erupted. Local resident Zakaria Daoud expressed concerns about the region’s security, especially given its history of political instability and coups. Footage from the scene showed military vehicles and heavily armed troops securing the streets around the presidential palace. Koulamallah, in a live broadcast, reassured the public again, saying, “The situation is completely under control, there is no fear,” and emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting the president. The attack occurred just days after parliamentary elections, which were intended to restore democracy but were boycotted by major opposition groups. The election results are still pending, but analysts believe the outcome could further consolidate President Deby Itno’s hold on power. Deby Itno assumed leadership in 2021 after the death of his father, who had ruled for three decades. He was later elected president in 2023, though international observers raised concerns about the credibility of the election.
China reports mpox case linked to traveler from Congo
China on Thursday confirmed an mpox outbreak traced to an individual with a travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The center said the outbreak was caused by a source “traced to a foreign individual with a travel history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” “Four related cases were identified among close contacts, all of whom were infected after intimate contact,” it added, noting that there were no such infections among the general population. The infected individuals are receiving medical treatment and remain under observation. “The outbreak has been effectively controlled,” said the center, advising people to avoid contact with wild or unidentified rodents as well as primates, such as monkeys and apes. Mpox cases have been rising in Africa since early 2024, prompting urgent measures at the continental level. Congo remains the worst-hit country, with the World Health Organization declaring mpox a public health emergency of global concern last August. More than 1,300 suspected mpox-related deaths have been reported in Africa.
Illegal coltan exports by Congo rebels disrupt great lakes market
A UN report reveals that Congo rebels illegally exported coltan to Rwanda, contaminating the mineral supply chain and causing significant issues for technology manufacturers.
RSF slams US sanctions and genocide allegations as political attacks
The RSF also criticized the U.S. for targeting them under an executive order aimed at stabilizing Sudan’s political process, while exempting General al-Burhan’s forces SAF from similar measures
Gun battle in Nigeria leaves 34 extremists dead
Six soldiers and 34 extremists were killed in a clash in Nigeria’s Borno state, where the rebels launched a surprise attack on troops.
Nelson Mandela’s grandson arrested for hijacking, firearm offenses
Stolen vehicle, unlicensed firearm recovered at house belonging to Nelson Mandela
Azerbaijan protests Eritrean detention of three vessels and crews
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan issued a diplomatic note to Eritrea through its embassies in Ethiopia and Russia
Three Azerbaijani ships detained by Eritrea
Diplomatic efforts are underway to secure the release of the vessels and their crews.
US accuses Sudan’s RSF of genocide, imposes sanctions on leader
In response, the RSF dismissed the US move as a reflection of “double standards” and criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for its failure to effectively address the crisis in Sudan
Nigerian atheist freed after four years, faces ongoing threats
The 40-year-old was convicted in Kano, a predominantly Muslim city in northern Nigeria, after pleading guilty to 18 charges linked to a Facebook post from 2020
Libyan aims to heal rifts with new national reconciliation law
Libyan Parliament passes a national reconciliation law aimed at healing divisions and ending years of conflict.
Macron faces backlash after saying Africa ‘forgot to say thank you’...
Macron’s remark that African countries “forgot to say thank you” for France’s military deployment in the Sahel region has led to strong criticism and diplomatic fallout from African leaders and domestic political figures.
US air strike kills 10 al-Shabaab fighters in southern Somalia
The United States conducted an airstrike in southern Somalia, killing 10 members of the Al-Shabaab militant group, according to US Africa Command.
Mali military reports 30 alleged terrorists killed in recent attack
Malian Armed Forces says attack on suspected terrorists took place late on Monday in western Nioro du Sahel area
Mahama takes office in Ghana after historic presidential win
Ghana’s John Mahama takes the presidential oath in Accra, marking a fresh chapter for the nation with commitments to jobs, healthcare, and rural development.
Gunmen abduct at least 46 people in Zamfara State, Nigeria
The attack took place on Sunday around 2200 GMT, when a large group of gunmen arrived on motorbikes, opening fire on the town and setting fire to multiple homes and businesses
Sudan faces world’s only confirmed famine: UN
Impact of armed conflict ‘in and around El Fasher in North Darfur State remains especially catastrophic,’ says Edem Wosornu
Burhan’s army air strike in Khartoum kills multiple students
An air strike by Burhan’s army on a southern Khartoum market killed 10 civilians, injured over 30, and caused severe destruction.
UN highlights ‘staggering’ humanitarian crisis in Sudan
The UN has confirmed that famine exists in parts of Sudan, particularly in North Darfur, amidst the ongoing conflict between General Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces.
Protests erupt in Guinea as one protester is killed by police
Protests in Guinea against the military junta turned deadly, with one protester killed and calls for an end to the ongoing transition period after the 2021 coup.
DR Congo to execute inmates for armed robbery
The move has sparked debate, with some welcoming it for security reasons and others concerned about human rights violations.
Militants attack on Nigerian base leaves six soldiers dead
ISIS-linked militants attacked a Nigerian military base in Borno State, killing six soldiers and forcing a retreat after an intense gun battle.
M23 rebels capture eastern town in DR Congo
M23 rebels capture Masisi after clashes with armed forces, displacing locals, according to reports
China’s top diplomat begins Africa tour amid waning Western focus
Wang will visit Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria this week, emphasizing China’s steady engagement with Africa
Sudan reopens oil pipeline to South Sudan
Sudan has lifted a force majeure on oil exports from South Sudan to Port Sudan, enabling the resumption of oil flow after nearly a year of disruptions due to the ongoing conflict within the country.